Robert Anthony “Bob” Dolack, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 15, 2023. He was born January 19, 1937 in Belt, Montana to Michael Dolack and Evelyn Holmes. After his parents divorced and then each remarried, he and his brother, Bill, moved with their mom and their stepfather, Ted Harlamert, to Louisville, Kentucky, where he lived the rest of his life.
Bob was a standout football player for Louisville Male High School, winning two state championships, and then played for the University of Louisville. He was a starting offensive and defensive tackle for U of L’s first bowl team, winning the Sun Bowl in 1958. He was literally and figuratively the “Big Man on Campus.” He was the top in his class at the Business School and a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.
Bob met his wife Pat when his good friend was her patient in the hospital. They were married nearly 64 years and had two daughters. Family was first and foremost in his life. He faithfully visited all of his family and frequently took family vacations to Montana where many of his relatives lived. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing trips and camping, especially in the mountains. He loved boating and was a patient water skiing instructor to many family members and friends of his daughters. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold.
Bob was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his early twenties and retired at the age of 45 from Louisville Paper Company due to his declining vision. His poor eyesight also prevented him from accepting tryout offers from the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. He was active in the Louisville Jaycees and a longtime member of Highland Presbyterian Church. Bob also taught Sunday school with his wife and was on the church softball and bowling teams. He and Pat enjoyed being part of a couples bridge club for many years.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, one month to the day, prior to his passing, his parents, stepfather, stepmother Mary Dolack and brother Bill Dolack.
Bob is survived by his two daughters Jenny Mefford (Tom) and Becky Kinderman (Ken), grandchildren Matthew (Jules) and Michael Kinderman, Robert and Matt Mefford and Kari (Max) Booten, great-grandchildren Madeline and Jack Booten, his brother Monte (Mary) Dolack and sisters Anita (Don) Waters, Linda (George) Siemens, and Marlene Dolack, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority or Hosparus of Louisville.
Visitation: 11am to 3pm Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Highlands Funeral Home
Memorial Service: 3pm Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Highlands Funeral Home